How to cite a textbook in AMA
The citation format for textbooks follows the same rules that apply to a book citation in general. Since textbooks are often revised and republished, it is important to make sure you reference the actual edition of the book you have in hands.
To cite a textbook in a reference entry in AMA style 11st edition include the following elements:
- Author(s) of textbook: Give the last name, and initials of up to six authors (e.g. Watson J). For more authors only the first three are listed, followed by et al.
- Title of the textbook: Italicize the title and capitalize the first letter of each major word.
- Volume number: Give the volume number preceded by Vol and end with a period (e.g. Vol 3.).
- Edition number: Only include information about the edition if it is not the first.
- Place of publication: Give the name of the city in which the publishing entity was located at the time of publication.
- Publisher: Abbreviate the publisher's name.
- Year of publication: Give the year of publication.
Here is the basic format for a reference list entry of a textbook in AMA style 11st edition:
. Title of the textbook. Vol Volume number. Edition number ed. Place of publication: Publisher; Year of publication.
Take a look at our reference list examples that demonstrate the AMA style guidelines in action:
A popular textbook in psychology with one author
. Psychology in modules. 10th ed. New York, NY: Worth Publishers; 2012.
A textbook in behavioral research by two authors
. Methods in Behavioral Research. 13th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2017.
This citation style guide is based on the AMA Manual of Style (11th edition).